Dispensing control system, method of controlling a dispensing device and computer program

ABSTRACT

A dispensing control system includes a dispensing device and a remote device. The dispensing device includes a dispenser configured to dispense material from a cartridge disposed in the dispensing device, a first receiver configured to receive information related to the cartridge, a transmitter configured to transmit the information related to the cartridge, and an electronic controller configured to cause the transmitter of the dispensing device to transmit the information related to the cartridge. The remote device includes an electronic controller, a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver of the remote device is configured to receive the information related to the cartridge, the controller of the remote device is configured to monitor the information related to the cartridge and to cause the transmitter of the remote device to transmit the information related to the cartridge to a remote server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. National Stage application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP2019/067321, filed Jun. 28, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/023,827, filed Jun. 29,2018 and European Patent Application No. 18194794.6, filed Sep. 17,2018, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a dispensing control system.In particular, the present invention relates to a dispensing controlsystem capable of remotely monitoring a dispensing device.

Background Information

In the construction and dental sectors, cartridges are frequently usedto dispense liquids, for example, sealing components, components forchemical dowels or chemical anchors, adhesives, pastes or impressionmaterials in the dental sector.

Conventional dispensers can be single-component systems in which thematerial to be dispensed is formed from one component and two-componentor multicomponent systems in which at least two different components arestored in separate chambers of the same cartridge or in separatecartridges. The two-component or multicomponent systems, the componentsare mixed by a dynamic or static mixing apparatus. Examples ofmulticomponent systems include adhesives or chemical dowels which onlyharden after the mixing of the two components. Two-component systems canalso be used in the industrial sector for paints which are often used togenerate functional protective layers such as for corrosion protection.

Further prior art dispensers are known from US2017/119918A1;US2018/236181A1; US2014/263423A1; US2011/082595A1; US2016/169446A1;WO2017/096205A1; US2011/245983A1; US2011/245984A1; and EP2923774A1.

SUMMARY

It has been found that it is desirable to have additional control andoversight of dispensing devices. One object of the present disclosure isto provide a dispensing control system that is capable of beingmonitored and controlled by a remote device.

This object is satisfied by a dispensing control system in accordancedescribed herein. Such a dispensing control system, comprises:

a dispensing device including a dispenser comprising one or morepushrods and an actuation mechanism configured to entrain the one ormore pushrods in the direction of a cartridge to actuate one or morepistons arranged within said cartridge for dispensing material from thecartridge that is disposed in the dispensing device, a first wirelesscommunication means that is configured to transmit data between saidcartridge when received within the dispenser and the dispenser, thefirst wireless communication means comprising a first receiver arrangedat the dispenser and configured to receive information related to thecartridge, with said information being stored at said cartridge, and asecond wireless communication means that is configured to transmit databetween the dispenser and a controller of a remote device, the secondwireless communication means comprising a transmitter configured totransmit the information related to the cartridge, and an electroniccontroller configured to cause the transmitter of the dispensing deviceto transmit the information related to the cartridge; and a remotedevice including said controller, the remote device comprising areceiver and a transmitter of the second wireless communication means,the receiver of the remote device being configured to receive theinformation related to the cartridge, the controller of the remotedevice being configured to monitor the information related to thecartridge and to cause the transmitter of the remote device to transmitthe information related to the cartridge to a remote server, wherein thefirst receiver is configured to receive a signal different from a signalreceived by the remote device.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a dispensing control system, comprising adispensing device and a remote device. The dispensing device includes adispenser configured to dispense material from a cartridge disposed inthe dispensing device, a first receiver configured to receiveinformation related to the cartridge, a transmitter configured totransmit the information related to the cartridge, and an electroniccontroller configured to cause the transmitter of the dispensing deviceto transmit the information related to the cartridge. The remote deviceincludes an electronic controller, a receiver and a transmitter, thereceiver of the remote device is configured to receive the informationrelated to the cartridge, the controller of the remote device isconfigured to monitor the information related to the cartridge and tocause the transmitter of the remote device to transmit the informationrelated to the cartridge to a remote server.

In view of the state of the known technology, another aspect of thepresent disclosure is to provide a method of controlling a dispensingdevice, the method comprising receiving information with a firstreceiver on the dispensing device, the information related to acartridge disposed in the dispensing device, transmitting, via a firsttransmitter, the information related to the cartridge to a secondreceiver on remote handheld device, and transmitting, via a secondtransmitter, the information related to the cartridge from the remotehandheld device to a remote server.

In view of the state of the known technology, another aspect of thepresent disclosure is to provide a computer program embodied on anon-transitory computer-readable medium for controlling and operating adispensing device, the computer program, when executed by an electroniccontroller, configured to monitor information received from atransmitter on the dispensing device, the information related to acartridge disposed in the dispensing device, configured to cause theinformation related to the cartridge to be transmitted to a remoteserver, and configured to cause instructions to be transmitted to thedispensing device based on the information related to a cartridge, theinstructions including information related to dispensing a material inthe cartridge.

Another aspect (a first aspect) of the present invention relates to anelectric dispenser for dispensing material from a cartridge, theelectric dispenser being configured to receive a cartridge, the electricdispenser comprising

one or more pushrods;

an actuation mechanism configured to entrain the one or more pushrods inthe direction of the cartridge to actuate a piston arranged within saidcartridge for dispensing material from said cartridge;

a first wireless communication means that is configured to transmit databetween said cartridge when received within the electric dispenser andthe electric dispenser; and

a second wireless communication means that is configured to transmitdata between the electric dispenser and a control system, preferably aremote control system (e.g., a remote device or network computer orserver);

wherein the first wireless communication means are different from thesecond wireless communication means. By such a dispenser a user canautomatically determine the contents of the cartridges as these can beread out by the first wireless communication means and be forwarded tothe control system by means of the second wireless communication means.By forming the first communication means different from the secondwireless communication means the respective wireless communication meanscan be tailored to their use. For example, the first wirelesscommunication means merely requires a communication to be possible overshort distances of less than 50 cm, whereas the second wirelesscommunication means should be able to communicate error free over largerdistances of 50 cm or more.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the firstwireless communication means comprises RFID and the second wirelesscommunication means is selected from the group of members consisting of:Bluetooth, wireless lan, NFC, zigbee, LTE, UMTS, Z-Wave and infrared.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the first or second aspect, wherein thesecond wireless communication means is configured to communicateparameters on a current state of use of the electric dispenser and/orparameters relating to the environment of use of the electric dispenserbetween the electric dispenser and the control system; and/or parametersrelating to the contents of the cartridge that are communicated betweenthe cartridge and the electric dispenser via the first communicationmeans.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,wherein the control system is a remote control system that is separatefrom the electric dispenser.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,wherein the control system is selected from the group of membersconsisting of: a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, apersonal computer, a portable computer, a microcontroller and an APPinstalled on at least one of the aforementioned devices.

A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,further comprising the control system, wherein the control system storesdata of at least one of the cartridge and of the electric dispenser andis configured to communicate this data to and from a cloud storagespace.

A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the sixth aspect wherein the control systemfurther comprises a third communication means for communicating the databetween the cloud storage space and the control system.

An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein thecontrol system is configured to asynchronously communicate the databetween the control system and the cloud storage space.

A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,further comprising a temperature sensor that is arranged at the electricdispenser and that is configured to detect temperature data relating toa temperature of the environment in which the electric dispenser isused, with the temperature data optionally being communicated to theremote control via the second communication means.

A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,further comprising a humidity sensor that is arranged at the electricdispenser and that is configured to detect humidity data relating to ahumidity of the environment in which the electric dispenser is used,with the humidity data optionally being communicated to the remotecontrol via the second communication means.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the ninth or the tenth aspect, comprisingone or more further sensors.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with eleventh aspect, wherein the one or morefurther sensors are configured to determine parameters relating to acurrent state of use of the electric dispenser and/or of the cartridgerespectively of contents stored in the cartridge.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect,wherein the one or more further sensors is selected from the group ofmembers consisting of a pressure sensor, a location sensor—in particulara GPS sensor—a gyroscopic sensor, a weight sensor, a strain sensor andcombinations of the foregoing.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding aspects,wherein the data communicated between the control device and theelectric dispenser comprises operating data by which an operation of theelectric dispenser can be adapted and/or controlled in view of datatransmitted between the cartridge and the electric dispenser.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention relates to the electricdispenser in accordance with at least one of the preceding ninth aspectsto fourteenth aspects, wherein the data communicated between the controldevice and the electric dispenser comprises operating data by which anoperation of the electric dispenser can be adapted and/or controlled inview of data transmitted between the cartridge and the electricdispenser and in dependence on parameters determined by one of thesensors.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention relates to a systemcomprising an electric dispenser, one or more cartridges, a remotecontrol system and a cloud storage device, with the electric dispenserbeing configured to receive the one or more cartridges, the electricdispenser comprising one or more pushrods and an actuation mechanismconfigured to entrain the one or more pushrods in the direction of thecartridge to actuate a piston arranged within the cartridge fordispensing material from the cartridge, the electric dispenser furthercomprising a first wireless communication means that is configured totransmit data between the cartridge when received within the electricdispenser and the electric dispenser; and the electric dispenser furtherincludes a second wireless communication means that is configured totransmit data between the electric dispenser and the control system andthat is different from the first wireless communication means, whereinthe remote control system is configured to transmit data between theremote control system and the cloud storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing control system according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the dispenser of FIG. 1 with a receiver/transmittershown.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the dispenser of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a dual cartridge with a RFID for the dispenser ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of the remote device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is the remote device of FIG. 5 showing the capability ofselecting the dispensing control system.

FIG. 7 is the remote device of FIG. 5 illustrating the ability to selectone of a plurality of dispensing devices.

FIG. 8 is the remote device of FIG. 5 illustrating a display ofinformation from the dispenser of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the process of receiving andtransmitting information from the dispensing device to the network.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the process of remotely adjustingthe parameters of the dispensing device.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the process of remotely adjustingparameters of the dispensing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a dispensing control system 10 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 1 illustratesthe dispensing control system 10 which includes a handheld dispensingdevice (dispenser 12), a remote device 14 and a network terminal orserver 16.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, the dispenser 12 is capable of sending andreceiving information wirelessly directly to both the remote device 14and/or the remote network terminal or server 16 (e.g., the cloud).Moreover, the remote device 14 is capable of sending and receivinginformation wirelessly directly to both the dispenser 12 or the remotenetwork terminal or server 16 (e.g., the cloud). The remote networkterminal or server 16 is capable of sending and receiving informationwirelessly directly to both the dispenser 12 or the remote device 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispenser 12 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. In this embodiment, the dispenser 12 isan electric dispenser and includes a housing 18, a drive unit 20 (alsoknown as an actuation mechanism), a motor, material dispensers 54,sensors 24, a receiver/transmitter 26 and a controller 28.

The housing 18 includes a handle 30 for gripping by an operator foroperating the dispenser 12 to dispense material. The handle 30 includesa trigger switch or trigger 32, a speed control dial (SCD) 34 and anoperation mode selection switch in the form of an on/off mode switch 36(see FIG. 3 in this regard). The housing 18 accommodates the drive unit20 and the controller 28. At the bottom 38 of the housing 18, arechargeable battery pack or power supply 40 is attached in a mannernormal for portable electric tools.

Alternatively, the dispenser 12 may include a cord for connection with apower supply such as a power outlet. As is understood, the power supply40 (e.g., the battery) supplies a voltage to the drive unit or actuationmechanism 20 to operate the dispenser 12.

An indicator 44 can be disposed on the handle 30 for indicating specificconditions. In other words, the indicator 44 may be an LED thatindicates one or more of a number of specific conditions such as,temperature, pressure, first dispensing mode activated, seconddispensing mode activated, low or full battery charge, overload(torque), high temperature, end-stop switch activated, etc. Theindicator 44 can be any other suitable indicator or display to candisplay any suitable information.

A holder 46 is disposed at a front end 48 of the housing 18 to receive areceptacle for material to be dispensed. Thus, the holder 46 defines thefront end 48 of the dispenser 12. The receptacle for material can be ofany kind, but is preferable a cartridge 50 (see FIG. 5) as describedherein, but can be any suitable receptacle, such as a sausage typereceptacle, or any other suitable type of receptacle. The material to bedispensed can be any type of sealant or adhesive. For example, thesealant can be any ordinary one-component silicone. The curing of thesilicone starts with the normal moisture that is present in thesurrounding atmosphere. Alternatively, the material can be atwo-component materials, such as polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxy orepoxy acrylate. These materials can be used as adhesives, putties oralso as sealants.

The dispenser 12 further comprises a rack 52. At the front end of therack 52 is at least one material dispenser 54. In one embodiment, thematerial dispenser 54 is a first material dispenser of a first materialdispenser and a second material dispenser, with each of the materialdispensers 54 being a plunger (connected to a pushrod) configured to beinserted into a respective receptacle of the cartridge 50. The materialdispensers 54 are configured to drive and dispense the material from thecartridge via not shown pistons received in the cartridge. Although thematerial dispensers 54 are illustrated as plungers, the materialdispensers 54 can be any suitable devices. The rack 52 extends throughthe drive unit 20, and at a rear end opposite the front end the rack 52,a second handle 56 is attached.

Since the first and second material dispensers 54 are connected throughthe second handle 56 of the rack 52, the first and second materialdispensers 54 move in unison. The dispenser 12 of the embodiment shownis generally used with a side-by-side cartridge 50, as shown in FIGS. 1and 5. That is, the cartridge 50 contains two cartridges 50 a and 50 badjacent each other such that the first and second material dispensers54 can be disposed within adjacent cartridges and dispense separatematerials simultaneously. The separate materials are generally guided toone of a static and a dynamic mixer (not shown) that enable thematerials to be combined.

Such a system comprising the dispenser, the cartridges and the mixerenables materials to thoroughly mix and form an adhesive or mixedmaterial right before or as they are being applied to a surface or area.However, it is noted that the dispenser 12 can be used with a containercontaining a co-axial container of viscous material. That is, acontainer containing two components of viscous material arrangedcoaxially in the container and separated by an annular partition insidethe container. In the coaxial container, the two separate materials arealso dispensed from their respective containers into the mixer prior tobeing applied to the specific surface or area. Moreover, if desired, thedispenser 12 can be used with a container containing having only onecomponent of viscous material or any other suitable container.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 20 accommodates the motor 42 drivingthrough a gear train with a cylindrical pinion gear meshing inside thedrive unit 20 with the rack 52 to drive the latter.

The detector or sensor 24 is preferably one of one or more sensors thatare configured to determine parameters relating to a current state ofuse of the dispenser 12 and/or of the cartridge contents stored in thecartridge. For example, the sensor 24 can be a temperature sensor thatis arranged at the dispenser 12 and is configured to detect temperaturedata relating to a temperature of the environment in which the dispenser12 is used, and/or a humidity sensor that is arranged in the dispenser12 and is configured to detect humidity data relating to a humidity ofthe environment in which the dispenser 12 is used.

Moreover, if desired, the sensor 24 can be one of one or more sensorsselected from a group including but not limited to a pressure sensor, alocation sensor—in particular a GPS sensor—a gyroscopic sensor, a weightsensor, a strain sensor and combinations of the foregoing. In otherwords, the dispenser 12 can have a single sensor or a plurality ofsensors that are configured to sense one or more of the conditionsdiscussed herein.

By the GPS sensor and/or the gyroscopic sensor positional data relatingto the position and location of use of the dispenser 12 can be detectedand consequently recorded e.g. once this is communicated via the secondwireless communication device to the remote device 14 and/or the remotenetwork terminal or server 16.

In one embodiment, the sensor 24 can be disposed adjacent the rack 52 ofthe first and second material dispensers 54 and/or disposed within thehousing 18 and capable of detecting the movement of the materialdispensers 54 and/or the rack 52. However, it is noted that the sensor24 can be disposed in any suitable position. Additionally, sensor 24 canbe an optical sensor, sliding calipers or any suitable sensor that candetermine the distance and/or speed of the movement of the materialdispensers.

In one embodiment, the sensor 24 can be connected to the motor 42 andthe controller 28, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, the sensor 24 iscapable of determining the speed of the material dispensers 54 based onthe speed of the motor 42.

The data from the sensor 24 may then be communicated to the controller28 for purposes of controlling the speed and or distance of travel ofthe material dispensers 54. In one embodiment, the sensor 24 enables thecontroller 28 to determine the speed and distance at which the materialdispensers 54 have travelled. However, it is noted that the sensor 24can be any suitable sensor and not limited to the description providedherein. Regardless of the type of sensor, the data recorded via thesensor 24 is collected and communicated via the second wirelesscommunication device to the remote device 14 and/or the remote networkterminal or server 16.

The sensor 24 can also be configured to detect a user id, and/or thedispenser can be configured to record a user id which can then becommunicated via the second wireless communication device to the remotedevice 14 and/or the remote network terminal or server 16. In this wayone can track which user carried out each dispensing action.

As stated above, the dispenser 12 includes the receiver/transmitter 26.The receiver/transmitter 26 includes a first receiver 26 a, a secondreceiver 26 b and a transmitter 26 c. The first receiver 26 a is capableof receiving information from the cartridge 50. The first receiver 26 acan be a wireless communication means or device (communicator) that iscapable of receiving a signal from an RFID tag or any other suitabledevice. In other words, the first wireless communication device isconfigured to receive data from the cartridge when the cartridge isreceived within the dispenser 12.

The second receiver 26 b and the transmitter 26 c can be a single device(e.g., a transceiver) or separate devices. The second receiver 26 b andtransmitter 26 c can be a second wireless communication means or device(communicator) that is selected from the group of members consisting of:Bluetooth, wireless lan, NFC, zigbee, LTE, UMTS, Z-Wave and infrared, orany other suitable communication means. The wireless communication meansor device is configured to transmit data between the dispenser 12 andthe remote device 14 or the network computer or server 16. In someembodiments, the first wireless communication device and the secondwireless communication device are different and operate in a differentmanner. Thus, the wireless communication in the first wirelesscommunication system and the second wireless communication system canoccur substantially simultaneously and will not result in any crosstalkor miscommunications. However, it is noted that the first and secondwireless communication devices can be the same device and operate in thesame manner.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the dispenser 12 can comprise acontroller 28 with a microcontroller 58, a data processing device 60,the bi-directional DC motor driver 61, a torque control 62 for avoidingexcess torque that could result in a mechanical breakdown, a batterymonitor 64, a temperature monitoring system (TMS) 66 for avoiding excesstemperature e.g. in the motor 42, and an on/auto off switch 68.

The controller 28 can also include other conventional components such asa storage device 70, (e.g. a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a RAM(Random Access Memory) device). The microcomputer 58 of the controller28 is programmed to (or configured to) control one or more of the driveunit 20, the trigger 32, the on/off mode switch 30, the materialdispenser 54, sensor 24, the first receiver 26 a, the second receiver 26b, the transmitter 26 c and any other element, to make determinations ordecisions, as discussed herein.

The memory circuit stores processing results and control programs, suchas ones for the drive unit 20, the trigger 32, the on/off mode switch30, the material dispenser 54, sensor 24, the first receiver 26 a, thesecond receiver 26 b, and the transmitter 26 c operation that are run bythe processor circuit.

The controller 28 is operatively coupled to the drive unit 20, thetrigger 32, the on/off mode switch 30, the material dispenser 54, andthe sensor 24, the first receiver 26 a, the second receiver 26 b, thetransmitter 26 c in a conventional manner. Such a connection enables thecontroller 28 to monitor and control any of these systems or devices asdesired.

The internal RAM of the controller 28 stores statuses of operationalflags and various control data.

The internal ROM of the controller 28 stores the information for variousoperations.

The controller 28 is capable of selectively controlling any of thecomponents of the dispenser 12 in accordance with the control program.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat the precise structure and algorithms for the controller 28 can beany combination of hardware and software that will carry out thefunctions of the present invention.

For input to the controller 28, the dispenser 12 comprises the trigger32, the on/off mode switch 30, and an end-stop switch 72 for indicatingan end position of the rack 52. The trigger 32 and the speed controldial 34 can be coupled to potentiometers to control the speed at whichthe motor 42 or the material dispenser 54 operates. That is, a targetspeed can be derived from the input of the potentiometers and thecorresponding effective voltage for that target speed is determined.This effective voltage can be converted to a pulse length by using thenominal voltage and this signal is delivered to the motor 42.

The voltage applied at the motor 42, like the current applied at themotor 42 can be detected using an appropriate voltage or current sensor24. The measured voltage and/or current can be collected andcommunicated via the second wireless communication device to the remotedevice 14 and/or the remote network terminal or server 16 and from theseparameters a dispensing force of each of the material dispensers 54 canbe estimated.

The dispenser 12 can be configured in any suitable manner for retractionof the rack 52 and material dispensers 54 for the exchange of thereceptacle with the material to be dispensed as is known.

Under normal operation, the operator uses the on/off mode switch 30 toselect a first dispensing mode (off) or a second dispensing mode (on).In the first dispensing mode, the operator pulls the trigger 32 todispense material from the container. Pulling the trigger 32 activatesthe on/auto off switch 36 to turn the controller 28 on, and activatesthe control program to reset the storage device 70 and start driving themotor 42. The motor 42 drives the rack 52 and the material dispenser 54through the gear train and the pinion gear (not shown) whereby materialto be dispensed is expelled from the receptacle. As can be understoodthis information is then stored in the storage device 70 and can betransmitted via the transmitter 26 c to the remote device 14 or thenetwork computer or server 16.

As described herein, the dispenser 12 can be remote controlled orremotely monitored. In one embodiment, the dispenser 12 can becontrolled by the remote device 14 or the network computer or server 16.The remote device 14 and/or network computer or server 16 can be acontrol system selected from the group of members consisting of: amobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, a personalcomputer, a portable computer, a microcontroller and an APP installed onat least one of the aforementioned devices, or any other suitabledevice.

As shown in FIG. 4, the remote device 14 can include a housing 74, areceiver 76, a transmitter 78, an input device 80, a display 82, anantenna system 84 and an electronic controller 86.

The remote device 14 can also include a speaker 88 or speakers 88 forthe transmission of sound and a microphone 90 or microphones 90 for thereception of sound.

The housing 74 is preferably a plastic or thermoplastic housing or anysuitable material for housing the electrical and other componentsthereof. The housing 74 can be rectangular or any suitableconfiguration. Moreover, the housing 74 can have a portion thereof foraccess to the input device 80 and the display 82. Together theseelements define an interior portion IP for the electrical components.

The controller 86 is preferably disposed within the interior portion IPof the housing 74 and is an electronic controller. The controller 86preferably includes a microcomputer having one or more processors with acontrol program that controls the components of the remote device 14.The controller 86 may include other conventional components such as aninput interface circuit, an output interface circuit, and a data storagedevice (or devices) 92 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a RAM(Random Access Memory) device.

The microcomputer of the controller 86 is at least programmed to operatein accordance with the flow chart of FIG. 10 as discussed below. It willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that theprecise structure and algorithms for the controller 86 can be anycombination of hardware and software that will carry out the functionsof the present invention. Furthermore, the controller 86 can communicatewith the other components as discussed herein via, for example, acontrol area network (CAN) bus or in any other suitable manner asunderstood in the art.

The controller 86 is operatively coupled to the receiver 76, thetransmitter 78, the input device 80, the display 82, the data storagedevice 92, the speaker 88, the microphone 90, the antenna system 84, andthe other types of components in the remote device 14 in any suitablemanner as understood in the art, and is programmed to monitor andcontrol these components as discussed herein.

The data storage device 92 can also store processing results and controlprograms that are run by the controller 86, such as processing resultsand control programs for the receiver 76, the transmitter 78, the inputdevice 80, the display 82, the data storage device 92, the speaker 88,the microphone 92, the antenna system 84 and any other suitableinformation.

The data storage device 92 is a computer memory device (i.e., anonvolatile memory device) and can store system data, as well as anyother suitable data. Furthermore, the data storage device 92 can storeother types of data, such as data pertaining to parameters of thedispenser 12.

The data storage device 92 further permits a read-out operation ofreading out data held in the storage medium in response to aninstruction from the controller 86 to, for example, update parameters ofthe dispenser 12. The information in the data storage device 92 can alsobe updated by the controller 86 in any suitable manner as discussedherein and as understood in the art.

The remote device 14 can include a location detection system 94, whichis configured to determine the location of the remote device 14. In oneembodiment, the location detection system 94 is a GPS (globalpositioning system) device. That is, the location detection system 94can be a satellite-based radio navigation device that enables the remotedevice 14 to locate the remote device 14.

The microphone 90 is disposed in any suitable place and can be anysuitable microphone 90 configured to receive sound. As can beunderstood, the microphone 90 can receive sound in the form of voicefrom the user and is in electrical communication with the controller 86.The sound is converted to electrical signals that are then processed bythe controller 86 and if desired transmitted by the transmitter 78and/or stored in the data storage device 92.

The speaker 88 is disposed in any suitable place and can be any suitablespeaker 88 configured to transmit sound. The speaker 88 is in electricalcommunication with the controller 86. As can be understood, the speaker88 can transmit sound in the form of voice to the user, or any othersuitable sound as in known in the art. In one embodiment, the speakercan produce an audible sound received by the receiver 76, or an audiblesound produced by the controller 86, as one of ordinary skill wouldunderstand.

The antenna system 84 can be any suitable antenna system 84 fortransmission and reception of a wireless (e.g., cellular) signal. Theantenna system 84 can be a single, dual purpose (send and receive)antenna system 84, or there can be two separate antennas. A firstantenna system 84 a to send signals and a second antenna system 84 b toreceive signals. As can be understood, the antenna system 84 or antennascan be any suitable antenna or plurality of antennas. The antenna system84 can receive signals from other devices, computers, portablecommunication devices, or any other type of device wirelessly. Theantenna system 84 can receive signals through a cellular network ordirectly from another device in any suitable manner.

The input device 80 can be any suitable input device 80, and is inelectrical communication with the controller 86. For example, the inputdevice 80 can be a keyboard that enables a user to input information andcommands into the remote device 14 or a button that operates aspects ofthe remote device 14. The keyboard can be an electronic digital keyboardor a physical keyboard with buttons or keys. Additionally, the inputdevice 80 can be voice commands hand or finger commands, a button orstylus or pen input.

The display 82 can be any suitable display 82 that would enable anydesired or suitable data to be displayed. For example, the display 82can be a transparent screen that is configured to display theinformation input by the user or data received by the receiver 76. Thedisplay 82 can dispenser 12 data, user location, the location ofdispensers 12 or any suitable information.

The receiver 76 and the transmitter 78 can be any suitable receiver 76and transmitter 78 desired. In one embodiment the receiver 76 and thetransmitter 78 are one device (i.e., a transceiver). In anotherembodiment, the receiver 76 and the transmitter 78 are separate devices.

The receiver 76 and transmitter 78 are configured to receive andtransmit wireless signals to and from the remote device 14. The receiver76 and transmitter 78 are electrically connected to the controller 86and to the antenna system 84. The receiver 76 and transmitter 78 canreceive and transmit signals to and from other devices (e.g., dispensers12), computers (e.g., network computer and server 16), or other deviceswirelessly. The receiver 76 and transmitter 78 can receive and transmitsignals through a cellular network or directly from another devicethrough the antenna system 84 in any suitable manner.

The network terminal or server 16 can be a control system or anysuitable system, and can be offsite or remote, if desired. The networkterminal or server 16 can be a conventional computer or server 16capable of sending and/or receiving information through a network, suchas the internet, or directly from the dispenser 12 or remote device 14in any suitable manner. The network terminal or server 16 can include astorage device configured to store information related to the dispenser12 and/or remote device 14 and send requests or information to theremote device 14. For example, the network terminal or server 16 can bea supplier that monitors the cartridge information and when newcartridges are needed, supply new cartridges. In other words, thecartridge can include information such as batch number that would informthe supplier when the cartridges are running low.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 50 generally used is a side-by-sidecartridge. That is, the cartridge 50 contains two cartridges 50 a and 50b adjacent each other such that the first and second material dispensers54 can be disposed within adjacent cartridges 50 a and 50 b and dispenseseparate materials simultaneously in a manner known per se via theoutlet using the piston (both not shown) in a manner known per say. Sucha system enables materials to thoroughly mix and form an adhesive ormixed material right before or as they are being applied to a surface orarea via a static or dynamic mixer (not shown) that is attachable to thecartridge.

However, it is noted that the dispenser 12 can be used with a containercontaining a co-axial container of viscous material. That is, acontainer containing two components of viscous material arrangedcoaxially in the container and separated by an annular partition insidethe container. In the coaxial container, the two separate materials arealso dispensed from their respective containers into a mixer prior tobeing applied to the specific surface or area. Moreover, if desired, thedispenser 12 can be used with a container containing only one componentof viscous material or any other suitable container.

At least one of the cartridges includes a radio-frequency identification(RFID) tag 94. The RFID tag 94 can contain electronically-storedinformation that can be communicated to the dispenser 12, in particular,to the first receiver 26 a in the dispenser 12.

The RFID tag 94 can include information about the cartridges 50 a and 50b such as the materials in the cartridges 50 a and 50 b, the productiondate, the batch number, the filing date, ADM information, the expirationdate and/or any suitable information relative to the cartridges 50 a and50 b.

It is noted that while an RFID tag is the preferred embodiment, thecartridge 50 can have any type of system that would enable communicationof information with the dispenser 12 or any other system.

Turning to FIGS. 6-8 the operation of the remote device 14 will bediscussed. As shown in FIG. 6, the remote device 14 can be a smart phoneor tablet. In a manner known per se the smart phone or tablet comprisesa plurality of apps A1-A5 and a dispenser app D which are respectivelydownloaded thereon. When a user desires monitoring of dispensers 12 orcontrol of the parameters on a dispenser 12, the dispenser app D can beselected and started.

Moreover, a readable code can be stored at or in the mixer, such as acode stored at an RFID Tag, a hologram, a visual mark, an NFC tag or thelike. The dispenser 12 can then comprise a further sensor 24 that isconfigured to read the readable code. The code can indicate at least oneof a type of mixing tip, a manufacturer of the mixing tip, a date ofproduction of the mixing tip, a length of the mixing tip, a diameter ofthe mixing tip, a size of the mixing tip and a list of materialscompliant with the mixing tip. The information stored at the mixer canalso be communicated via the second wireless communication device to theremote device 14 and/or the remote network terminal or server 16. Acheck can be made using the first controller 28 present at the dispenserand/or the second controller 86 of the remote device, whether the mixerinstalled at the cartridge 50 is suitable for use with the materialstored in the cartridge.

The reason for this is that different size and shapes of mixers existwhich are adapted for use with the specific material stored in thecartridge 50. If the wrong mixer is used then the desired mixingefficiency can be significantly impaired. The mixing efficiency isnamely a balance between low waste volume remaining in the mixer, and agood mixing quality. As can be understood, the devices (e.g., dispensers12) can be at one jobsite or at separate and distinct jobsites or acombination thereof. Once the app is selected, a list of availabledevices to control and/or monitor is displayed. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, three separate dispensers 12 are displayed (Dispenser 1,Dispenser 2, Dispenser 3).

One of the dispensers, e.g., Dispenser 1, can be selected. As shown inFIG. 8, the system then displays parameters of the selected dispenser12. The parameters can be any information desired. For example, theparameters can include information pertaining to the current cartridge50 installed in the dispenser 12 (e.g., the production date, the batchnumber, the filing date, ADM information, the expiration date, etc.)and/or to the information currently detected by the sensors 24 (e.g.,temperature, pressure, first dispensing mode activated, seconddispensing mode activated, low or full battery charge, overload(torque), high temperature, end-stop switch activated, etc.) or anyother suitable information.

The user can then choose a parameter to view and/or adjust as discussedherein. The parameter information can be stored in the storage device92, if desired.

Moreover, this information can be sent by the remote device 14 (ordirectly from the dispenser 12) to the remote terminal or server 16(e.g., the cloud). Thus, the information can be monitored and analyzedeither in real time or at a later point in time e.g. for the purpose ofquality control. For example, an understanding of the environmentalparameters on the materials in the cartridges can be analyzed, thestatus of supplies (e.g. the shelf life of the current cartridge 50) canbe analyzed and monitored, or any other suitable aspect of the dispenser12 and/or cartridges 50 a and 50 b can be analyzed and monitored.

FIG. 9 illustrates the communication process between the cartridge 50and the dispenser 12. In step S100, after the cartridge has beeninserted into the dispenser 12, the information on the RFID tag 94 ofthe cartridge 50 b is transmitted such that it is received by the firstreceiver 26 a in the dispenser 12. As discussed herein, this informationcan include the production date, the batch number, the filing date, ADMinformation, the expiration date, etc. of the cartridges, or any othersuitable information. This information is then stored in the storagedevice 70 on the dispenser 12 in step S110.

The sensor 24 (or sensors) then detects operating parameters. Asdiscussed herein the sensors 24, in step S120, can detect at least oneof temperature, pressure, first dispensing mode activated, a seconddispensing mode activated, low or full battery charge, overload(torque), high temperature, end-stop switch activated, etc.

Moreover, the operating parameters detected can include an error log, ausage log, i.e. the amount of material dispensed, the time ofdispensing, the material dispensed, a speed of dispensing, conditions ofdispensing, location of dispenser 12, worker identification, time anddate of operation, job type or description or any other suitableinformation.

Generally speaking any information on the dispenser 12, the cartridge50, the state of use and/or the environment of use that is available atthe time of use of the dispenser 12 can be compiled over time of use ofthe dispenser 12 or entered into the dispenser 12 or be produced andstored in the dispenser 12 in any suitable manner.

This information can then be transmitted, in step S130 by thetransmitter 26 c to the network (e.g., remote device 14 and/or thenetwork terminal or server 16). As can be understood, the transmitter 26b is configured to communicate parameters of a current state of use ofthe dispenser 12 and/or parameters relating to the environment of use ofthe dispenser 12 between the dispenser 12 and the remote device 14and/or the network computer or server 16, and/or parameters relating tothe contents of the cartridge 50 that are communicated between thecartridge 50 and the dispenser 12 via the RFID tag 94 and the firstreceiver 26 a.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the remote device14. As shown in step S200, information is received by the receiver 76from any device (dispensers 12) in the network. For example, as shown inFIG. 7 a plurality of dispensers are provided. In particular threedispensers are provided that may transmit information to the remotedevice 14. The remote device 14 can then monitor the information of eachof the devices in the network in step S210.

In step S220, the user or the controller 86 can select the dispenser 12.In other words, the remote device 14 can automatically monitor andselect individual dispensers 12. Alternatively, a user can monitor andselect individual dispensers 12.

The parameters for a specific device (dispenser 12) can then be reviewedto determine if they are acceptable in step S230. For example, thestatus of the materials in the cartridges 50 a and 50 b can be reviewedand analyzed, or the status and condition of the dispenser 12 can beanalyzed.

If the parameters are acceptable, then the parameters can be transmittedby the transmitter 78 to the cloud (e.g., network computer or server 16)and to the device (dispenser 12) in step S240. Thus, the remote device14 is configured to asynchronously communicate the data (information)between the remote device 14 and the cloud (e.g., network computer orserver 16). When transmitted to the cloud, the information can becorrelated for others to review and analyze, the information can bereviewed and analyzed by operating managers to determine user logentries, the information can reflect shop conditions. For example,ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) can influence motorcurrent without increasing motor RPMs.

Turning back to step S230, if the parameters are determined to beunacceptable, then the app (i.e., the user or the controller 86) canselect a parameter in step S250 and adjust the parameter in step S260.For example, dispensing modes can be changed, dispensing speed can bealtered, limit stops can be altered, or any suitable parameter can bemodified or changed.

This information can be transmitted by the transmitter 78 of the remotedevice 14 and received by the second receiver 26 b in the dispenser 12.Thus, the information (data) communicated between the remote device 14and the dispenser 12 comprises operating data by which an operation ofthe dispenser 12 can be adapted and/or controlled in view of datatransmitted between the cartridge 50 and the dispenser 12.

Additionally, the remote device 14 can transmit information thatterminates the operation of the dispenser 12. For example, if usage isunauthorized or if the materials are expired or any other parameterappears to be unacceptable to the user of the remote device 14 or thecontroller 86 of the remote device 14 the operation of the dispenser 12can be terminated.

It is noted that the parameters can be changed or the dispenser 12 canbe stopped by the user of the remote device 14 or automatically by thecontroller 86 of the remote device 14 based on present information.Thus, the controller 86 of the remote device 14 can cause thetransmitter 78 to transmit instructions for dispensing the material inthe cartridge 50 to the dispensing device 12 based on information inputinto the input device 80 by the user or by any other action by the userof the remote device 14.

Alternatively, the controller 86 can automatically change parameters ofthe dispenser or stop operation of the dispenser based onpreprogrammed/predetermined information. Accordingly, as can beunderstood, the information (data) communicated between the remotedevice 14 and the dispenser 12 comprises operating data by which anoperation of the dispenser 12 can be adapted and/or controlled in viewof data transmitted between the cartridge 50 and the dispenser 12.

As can be understood, FIG. 10 illustrates the process for a computerprogram product. Thus, in one embodiment, the remote device 14 includesa computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium(e.g., data storage device 92) for controlling and operating thedispensing device 12, the computer program, when executed by thecontroller 86, is configured to monitor information received from thetransmitter 26 c on the dispensing device 12, the information related tocartridge 50 disposed in the dispensing device 12, configured to causethe information related to the cartridge 50 to be transmitted to aremote server 16, and configured to cause instructions to be transmittedto the dispensing device 12 based on the information related to thecartridge 50, the instructions including information related todispensing a material in the cartridge 50.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the reception of the information bythe dispenser 12. In step S300, the information (e.g., parameter changeinformation or stop instructions or any other suitable information) fromthe remote device 14 or the network computer or server 16 (cloud) isreceived by the second receiver 26 b in the dispenser 12. Thisinformation is stored in the memory storage device 70 in step S310.

Accordingly, based on the information from the sensor 24 and/or theadjusted parameters, the dispenser 12 can automatically apply the propermixing behavior for the material and environmental considerations. Instep S320, the dispenser 12 adjusts the parameters based on instructionsfrom the remote device 14. In step S330 the dispenser 12 is thenoperated, and the updated parameters and additional information detectedby the sensors 24 is transmitted to the remote device 14 and/or thecloud using the transmitter in step S340.

Accordingly, the embodiments described herein have many benefits andadvantages. The user and/or system 10 can (manually or automatically)confirm that cartridges 50 that are in the supply chain/distributionchannels are validated and verified as original on the basis of theinformation provided by the cartridge 50 currently installed at thedispenser 12. The system can enable automatic journaling of adhesiveactivities e.g. Aerospace industries. Each use of the dispenser 12 cancreate a data log with worker, job name, cartridge number, adhesivetype, duration of dispensing, mixing and dispensing machine data, etc.which can be uploaded to the cloud (e.g., network computer or server 16)or the remote device 14.

The above information can be supplemented with data recorded by thesensors 24. For example, if it is decided at a later point in time thatthe material stored in the cartridge 50 should only be applied attemperatures within a range of e.g. 10 to 25° C. or at certain humiditylevels to achieve the best results for the respective application, onecan then track each precise application of the material to see if it wasactually applied at the correct temperature. In this way possiblematerial faults that arise in the application can be excluded if it isdetermined that the material was applied at the correct temperature.

The sensors 24 can detect and alert an operator of the dispenser 12 orthe remote device 14 user of any obstruction of the cartridge 50,exceeding of threshold on time elapsed after cartridge 50 has beenstarted or other malfunction locally. This alert can be performed at thedispenser 12 with the LED indicator 44 or through an alert in the app onthe remote device 14 or directly through to the network computer orserver 16. The system 10 can alert sales distribution channels, via thecloud or the network computer or server 16 that cartridges 50 arenearing expiration data to enable in time sell-off promotions and avoidscrap/inventory loss.

The system 10 can enable generation of transparent invoices based onactual usage data of the material which can be consumed for invoicing bythe workshop invoicing staff. The information received from thecartridges and the dispenser 12 can be combined into data andtransmitted such that reports can be developed showing worker,company/location, and asset used for adhesive job while also showingusage and cartridge attributes.

The information recorded by the sensors 24 about the dispenser 12 andthe materials stored in the cartridge 50 can also be correlated to seeif dispensing parameters, such as the speed of dispensing need adaptingto improve the functionality of the dispenser 12 for specific materialsstored in the cartridge 50.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also, as used herein to describethe above embodiments, directional terms such as transverse, as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of thedispensing control system. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized todescribe the present invention should be interpreted relative to thedispensing control system.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device that includes structure that is constructed to carryout the desired function.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dispensing control system, comprising: a remote device including a controller; and a dispensing device including a dispenser comprising one or more pushrods and an actuation mechanism configured to entrain the one or more pushrods in a direction of a cartridge to actuate one or more pistons arranged within the cartridge and configured to dispense material from the cartridge when the cartridge is disposed in the dispensing device, a first wireless communicator that is configured to transmit data between said cartridge when received within the dispenser and the dispenser, the first wireless communicator comprising a first receiver arranged at the dispenser and configured to receive information related to the cartridge, with the information being stored at the cartridge, and a second wireless communicator configured to transmit data between the dispenser and the controller of the remote device, the second wireless communicator comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the information related to the cartridge, and an electronic controller configured to cause the transmitter of the dispensing device to transmit the information related to the cartridge, the remote device further comprising a receiver and a transmitter of the second wireless communicator, the receiver of the remote device being configured to receive the information related to the cartridge, the controller of the remote device being configured to monitor the information related to the cartridge and to cause the transmitter of the remote device to transmit the information related to the cartridge to a remote server, the first receiver is configured to receive a signal different from a signal received by the remote device.
 2. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communicator is configured to transmit and receive data using a different communication standard as the second wireless communicator.
 3. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the first receiver of the first wireless communicator is configured to receive one of an RFID signal an NFC signal a QR code and a visual code.
 4. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a radio-frequency (RFID) tag as part of the first wireless communicator.
 5. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the controller of the remote device is configured to cause the transmitter of the remote device to transmit instructions for dispensing the material in the cartridge to the dispensing device based on the information related to the cartridge is capable of displaying information relevant to a user, including at least a dispensing speed and dispensing ratios.
 6. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the remote device includes an input device and the controller of the remote device is configured to cause the transmitter of the remote device to transmit instructions for dispensing the material in the cartridge to the dispensing device based on information input into the input device.
 7. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, further comprising a second receiver configured to communicate with the remote device, the second receiver configured to receive a signal from at least one of the following signal types: Bluetooth, wireless lan, NFC, zigbee, LTE, UMTS, Z-Wave and infrared.
 8. The dispensing control system according to claim 7, wherein the second receiver is arranged at or in the dispensing device.
 9. The dispensing control system according to claim 8 wherein the second receiver is arranged in or at a housing of the dispensing device, with the housing also accommodating the actuation mechanism configured to entrain the one or more pushrods.
 10. The dispensing control system according to claim 8, wherein a circuit board of the first receiver of the first wireless communicator and a circuit board of the second receiver are arranged in the housing.
 11. The dispensing control system according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board of the first receiver and the circuit board of the second receiver are separate from one another.
 12. The dispensing control system according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board of the first receiver and the circuit board of the second receiver are formed by a common circuit board.
 13. The dispensing control system according to claim 12, wherein the common circuit board also comprises a circuit board of the actuation mechanism.
 14. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver of the remote device is configured to receive information from the remote server and the transmitter of the remote device is configured to transmit the information received from the remote server to the dispensing device.
 15. The dispensing control system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect parameters relating to a current state of use of the dispenser or of cartridge contents stored in the cartridge.
 16. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more sensor is at least one of a temperature sensor arranged at the dispenser and configured to detect temperature data relating to a temperature of an environment in which the dispenser is used, a humidity sensor arranged in the dispenser and configured to detect humidity data relating to a humidity of the environment in which the dispenser is used, a pressure sensor, a location sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a weight sensor, a strain sensor or a combination thereof.
 17. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the dispenser includes first and second material dispensers, and the sensor is disposed adjacent a rack for the first and second material dispensers or is disposed within the housing and is capable of detecting a movement of the first and second material dispensers or of the rack.
 18. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor, sliding calipers or is capable of determining the distance or speed of movement of the dispenser.
 19. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is connected to a motor and the controller to determine a speed of the dispenser based on a speed of the motor.
 20. The dispensing control system according to claim 19, wherein data from the sensor is capable of being communicated to the controller to control the speed or distance of travel of the dispenser.
 21. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the parameters relating to the current state of use of the dispenser or of the cartridge contents stored in the cartridge are recorded via the sensor and are collected and communicated via the second wireless communicator to the remote device or a remote network terminal or the server.
 22. The dispensing control system according to claim 15, wherein the parameters relating to the current state of use of the dispenser are selected from the group of members consisting of cartridge information, environmental conditions, dispensing information, speed of the pistons, ratio of velocities of the pistons, a voltage of a motor, a maximum voltage applied at the motor, a current of the motor, a force of the dispenser and a combination thereof.
 23. A method of controlling a dispensing device, the dispensing device comprising one or more pushrods and an actuation mechanism configured to entrain the one or more pushrods in the direction of a cartridge to actuate one or more pistons arranged within the cartridge for dispensing material from the cartridge disposed in the dispensing device, the method comprising: receiving information with a first receiver on the dispensing device by a first wireless communicator, the information related to the cartridge disposed in the dispensing device; transmitting, via a first transmitter, the information related to the cartridge to a second receiver on a remote handheld device via a second wireless communicator; and transmitting, via a second transmitter, the information related to the cartridge from the remote handheld device to a remote server, the first receiver configured to receive a signal different from a signal received by the remote device.
 24. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 23, wherein the receiving information with the first receiver includes receiving information via a first signal, and the transmitting the information related to the cartridge to the second receiver includes transmitting via a second signal, the first and second signals being different.
 25. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 23, wherein the first signal is an RFID signal.
 26. The method of controlling a dispensing device according claim 23, wherein the second signal is at least one of the following signal types: Bluetooth, wireless lan, NFC, zigbee, LTE, UMTS, Z-Wave and infrared.
 27. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 23, further comprising transmitting, with the second transmitter, from the remote device to the dispensing device instructions for dispensing the material in the cartridge based on the information related to the cartridge.
 28. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 27, wherein the information related to the cartridge further includes at least one of temperature, humidity and a predetermined mixer motor RPM, speed of push rods, and pattern of dispensing distance travelled by the push rods to calculate a volume dispensed.
 29. The method of controlling a dispensing device according claim 23, further comprising inputting into the remote device, via an input device, instructions for dispensing the material in the cartridge, and transmitting, with the second transmitter, the instructions to the dispensing device.
 30. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 23, further comprising receiving information from the remote server with the second receiver and transmitting, with the second transmitter, the information received from the remote server to the dispensing device.
 31. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 23, further comprising detecting parameters relating to a current state of use of the dispenser or of the cartridge contents stored in the cartridge via one or more sensors.
 32. The of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the one or more sensors are at least one of a temperature sensor arranged at the dispenser and configured to detect temperature data relating to a temperature of an environment in which the dispenser is used, a humidity sensor arranged in the dispenser and configured to detect humidity data relating to a humidity of the environment in which the dispenser is used, a pressure sensor, a location sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a weight sensor, a strain sensor and a combination thereof.
 33. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the dispending device includes a first and second material dispensers, and the sensor is disposed adjacent a rack of the first and second material dispensers or is disposed within the housing and is capable of detecting a movement of the first and second material dispensers or of the rack.
 34. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor, sliding calipers or is capable of determining a distance or speed of movement of the dispenser.
 35. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the sensor is connected to a motor and the controller to determine a speed of dispenser based on a speed of the motor.
 36. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 35, wherein data from the sensor can be communicated to the controller for controlling a speed or distance of travel of the dispenser.
 37. The method of controlling a dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein the parameters relating to the current state of use of the dispenser or of the cartridge contents stored in the cartridge are recorded via the sensor and are collected and communicated via the second wireless communicator to the remote device or a remote network terminal or the server.
 38. A computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium for controlling and operating a dispensing device in accordance with claim 1, the computer program, when executed by the electronic controller, is configured to monitor the information received from the transmitter on the dispensing device, the information related to the cartridge disposed in the dispensing device, configured to cause the information related to the cartridge to be transmitted to the remote server, and configured to cause instructions to be transmitted to the dispensing device based on the information related to the cartridge, the instructions including information related to dispensing a material in the cartridge.
 39. The computer program embodied on the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the information received from the transmitter on the dispensing device is received as at least one of the following signal types: Bluetooth, wireless lan, NFC, zigbee, LTE, UMTS, Z-Wave and infrared.
 40. The computer program embodied on the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the computer program is further configured to cause information input into the remote device, via an input device, to be transmitted to the dispensing device.
 41. The computer program embodied on the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the computer program embodied is further configured to receive information from the remote server and configured to cause instructions to be transmitted to the dispensing device based on the information received from the remote server.
 42. The computer program embodied on the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the instructions to be transmitted to the dispensing device are based on at least one of temperature, humidity and a predetermined mixer motor RPM of the cartridge. 